As a teacher over the years, students say some of the funniest things. Kids especially, have such a unique a perspective and look at things so differently. I have started a collection in a notebook of some of the humorous and cute things students have said over the years. Here are a few funny things my students have said in the studio: I introduced the song “Morning has Broken” and a new time signature. The student says, “well how are they gonna fix morning anyway”? I then ex

This month, we’re excited to feature both members of our Adult Cello Choir: Ben and Sophie! Our Adult Cello Choir meets at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, Iowa, on Mondays at 6:30 PM, and it’s always a great time. We strive to make the group welcoming and adaptable for cellists of all experience levels, so everyone can feel comfortable and challenged in the best way. Names:  Ben Feltz and Sophie Joly Age: Ben (40), Sophie (58)  Grade:  Too cool for school! Why did you d

2025 was a year full of change, growth, and—most importantly—music at Dynamic Music Studios , a community-focused music school serving Coralville, North Liberty, and Iowa City, Iowa  with high-quality music lessons for voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, band, and orchestra students of all ages . Our mission to educate, empower, and embolden students while supporting our local community remained at the heart of everything we did. As we look ahead to 2026, we wanted to pause a

Avaeya Seay, age 10, is a piano student of Sarah Beckelheimer at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, Iowa. How long have you been playing piano? About 2 years Why did you decide to take piano lessons? Because I thought it sounded interesting Do you play other instruments? Violin Other activities: gymnastics How much do you practice? 4 to 5 days a week What are some of your songs you have leaned ? Deck the Halls Favorite artists: I listen to a lot of different types

Basketball and the Orchestra: A Musician’s Guide to Understanding the Game Winter brings a new soundtrack: squeaking shoes, bouncing basketballs, pep band tunes, and fans yelling at referees who apparently cannot see anything. Here in Iowa, basketball season feels like a statewide celebration, especially after living through the Caitlin Clark era. Her deep threes, quick plays, and impossible passes created a kind of magic that even classical musicians can appreciate. If Pagan

Peter is a viola student at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, IA studying with Christina Mixemong . Why did you decide to start lessons? I chose viola because they showed the instruments and I liked the way it sounded. Not too high and not too low.  I decided to take lessons because I wanted to be able to play better and be able to make more music. I just love music. How long have you been taking lessons?  1.5 years Do you play any other instruments?  Alto Saxophone How o

Dr. Jessica Saunders, soprano and Dr. Minji Kwon perform She Conjures at the New Music Festival for the Iowa Composer's Forum held at UNI in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Last weekend was a moving experience. I performed a newer piece composed by my close friend and colleague Lisa Neher. The work She Conjures ,  with music by Lisa Neher and libretto by Bea Goodwin , is set in 1600’s Scotland and tells the story of Grissall, a woman dealing with the aftermath of her mother's unjust exec

Rosie is a piano student of Sarah Beckelheimer , co-owner and piano instructor at Dynamic Music Studios in Coralville, Iowa. How old are you? 10 How long have you been taking piano? 4.5 years Why did you decide to take piano lessons? I wanted to because my older brother had taken piano lessons and I looked up to him.  Do you play any other instruments? Yes, tuba and viola How much do you practice? 30 minutes 4 or 5 days a week.  What is one of your favorite songs you have lea

Margaret is a Cello Student of Christina Gentzsch  at Dynamic Music Studios  in Coralville, Iowa. How old are you?  82 Why did you decide...

Gretchen is a voice student of Dr. Jessica Saunders  at Dynamic Music Studios  in Coralville, Iowa. Why did you decide to start taking...

First Rehearsal to First Performance: Learning Musician Etiquette From the moment they stepped into the rehearsal room, the new student...

Kaylee is a viola student of Christina Mixemong , Co-owner and viola/violin instructor  at Dynamic Music Studios   in Coralville, Iowa....

Every spring, there’s a bittersweet rhythm in the air at our music studio. As the school year winds down and the final lessons are...

Llama Trophy in it's new home for the year, the cello studio The cello students, taught by Christina Gentzsch, are the proud winners of...

Rhea Cello Student of Christina Gentzsch  at Dynamic Music Studios  in Coralville, Iowa. Name:   Rhea Allen Age: 66  Why did you decide...

Carter is a voice student of Dr. Jessica Saunders  at Dynamic Music Studios  in Coralville, Iowa. Why did you decide to start lessons? I...

Returning to My Hometown as a Featured Soloist: A Full Circle Moment Growing up in Garden City, Kansas, I was incredibly fortunate to...

In March and April, I have the pleasure of performing two solo recitals, a rare opportunity for me in recent years. Since graduating with...

Student Spotlight: Claire Chimenti

Fall-o-ween recital 2024 As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our musical  journeys and set fresh goals for...